The Second Shinobi World War was finally over.
Despite the countless lives lost and the grief and pain endured, the war had reached its conclusion. As the surviving ninjas returned to Konoha, many faces were once again adorned with smiles.
However, there were still those who remained unhappy, like Tsunade.
Upon discovering Kato Dan's death, Konoha had launched an investigation. But Aizen's meticulous methods had left no trace of evidence. Furthermore, Kato Dan wasn't a particularly important figure.
Therefore, the investigation concluded that he had fallen victim to a detonator trap set by Sunagakure and was killed by a powerful Earth Style user. The matter was closed.
Back in Konoha, while the proper handling of the deceased ninjas was a priority, recognizing and rewarding those who had distinguished themselves in battle was even more crucial.
Mitarashi Zashi, Hatake Sakumo, Orochimaru, Tsunade, and others received the highest honors bestowed by Konoha. As they walked the streets, they were greeted by throngs of civilians and ninjas, all shouting their names.
Their eyes shone with undisguised admiration and fervent respect. As the brightest stars of the Second Shinobi World War, they were undoubtedly the protagonists of this era. They were the most dazzling figures, the men and women who had defined their time. It could be said that the Second Shinobi World War was their era.
Observing these figures, Minato Namikaze's eyes filled with envy and longing. He was particularly awestruck by Hatake Sakumo, the White Fang of Konoha.
Although Minato aspired to become Hokage, his true idol had always been Sakumo. Sakumo's peerless performance and numerous victories during the war had left a deep impression on him.
Minato yearned for the day when he, too, could possess the power to shake the entire ninja world, just like Sakumo.
Aizen glanced at Minato beside him and thought to himself, Don't worry, you'll definitely become the second strongest ninja after Hatake Sakumo! The main protagonist of the Third Shinobi World War – the Yellow Flash, Minato Namikaze!!
Aizen's gaze then shifted to Mitarashi Zashi at the front of the procession.
In the grand scheme of the Second Shinobi World War, both Minato Namikaze and Aizen were merely insignificant players caught in the current.
Despite Aizen's considerable strength and strategic abilities, all his actions during the war were reactions to favorable circumstances. He could only passively accept his fate, unable to actively shape it.
This lack of control and power disgusted Aizen. He particularly resented Mitarashi Zashi's manipulation of him, but could do nothing about it.
Facing the "new faction," a behemoth that even the Hokage feared, Aizen lacked the power to seek revenge. He could only choose temporary dormancy, as he had before.
The feeling of bowing to fate was undeniably unpleasant.
"Just wait, Mitarashi Zashi. I remember our score clearly. One day, I will settle it with you." Aizen muttered as he adjusted his glasses. A cold glint flashed on the lenses under the sunlight.
Upon returning to Konoha, the heroes were rewarded for their achievements. Figures like Zashi received the greatest honors and accolades.
Minato Namikaze was exceptionally promoted to Jonin and placed in command of an elite Jonin squad. Although he possessed the skills of a Tokubetsu Jonin, his combat prowess was that of a true Jonin. This, combined with his status as the Hokage's disciple student and his contributions on the battlefield, led to his exceptional promotion.
This mirrored the original timeline, where Hatake Kakashi became a Jonin at the age of twelve. Normally, even with immense talent, one couldn't become a true Jonin at such a young age. Physical limitations and chakra development restricted such advancements.
It was only after the age of thirteen that the body began to develop rapidly, allowing for significant strength gains.
In the aftermath of the Second Shinobi World War, both Aizen and Minato reached the age of thirteen. The following years would be a period of rapid growth and development for them.
While it had taken them two years to progress from Genin to Chunin, their ascent from Tokubetsu Jonin to Jonin, and from Jonin to elite Jonin, would likely occur at a much faster pace, perhaps even a year per stage.
Soon, they would truly establish themselves as prominent figures in the ninja world.
Like Minato, Aizen was also exceptionally promoted to Jonin. However, unlike Minato, he served as a sub-commander in the medical department, overseeing four medical teams.
From that point on, they both officially entered Konoha's elite ranks, a position envied by many ordinary shinobi who would never achieve such a status in their lifetimes.
"By the way, Aizen, let's go visit Nawaki's grave," Minato suddenly suggested as they left Hiruzen Sarutobi's office.
Aizen was momentarily taken aback, then nodded in agreement.
After purchasing some memorial items, they arrived at Nawaki's grave and paid their respects. Minato appeared somewhat saddened.
They soon departed, but after a short while, Aizen returned alone, holding a simple white flower.
Looking at Nawaki's grave, adorned with the expensive flowers Minato had bought, Aizen smiled genuinely for the first time, placing his own flower on the tombstone.
"Your journey has reached its end," he murmured. "May you rest in peace in that world."
Aizen glanced at the grave once more, then turned and left, his solitary figure disappearing from sight.
Perhaps, from beginning to end, no one truly understood Aizen. Neither you nor I.
A few days later, after all the necessary post-war arrangements were made, Aizen's life returned to its pre-war routine. He trained diligently every day, reported for duty on time, and maintained his carefully crafted persona, continuing to gain the favor of more people.
Time flew by in this manner, and a year passed quickly.